Police are using their vehicles to ram into moped thieves and knock them off their bikes in Croydon and across the whole of London - even if they don't have helmets on during high-speed chases.

Met Police say moped and motorcycle criminal gangs will be "targeted at every opportunity", warning them officers will not stop chasing them even if they drive dangerously or take off their helmets while riding.

A montage video has been released showing the tactics used by specially trained police drivers to stop moped thieves.

Police hope this will make gangs think twice about their actions.

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Some moped thieves in London have been known to steal up to 30 phones in an hour, often targeting victims as they leave Tube or train stations.Thieves also snatch handbags, high value watches and other items.

As well as using vehicles to knock riders to the ground, police also use devices to deflate the tyres of mopeds.

There has been a reduction in moped crime across London. Latest year-on-year figures for moped crime show that in January 2017 to October 2017 there were 19,455 offences compared to January 2018 to October 2018 when there were 12,419 offences (7,036 fewer offences) - a fall of 36%.

Latest year-on-year figures for theft of mopeds show that in January 2017 to October 2017 there were 12,192 offences across London compared to January 2018 to October 2018 when there were 8,261 offences (3,931 fewer offences) - a reduction of 32%.

Commander Amanda Pearson said: "The Met is at the forefront of tackling moped and motorcycle crime and I am pleased to see that we have seen a reduction in offences. However, we are not complacent and we will continue to work tirelessly across London to maintain this downward trend.

"Operation Venice can call on all manner of tactics from an experienced investigation team to police helicopters to tackle and arrest offenders.